Columbus Blue Jackets (27-24-1) vs Pittsburgh Penguins (32-14-8)
Game Info: Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 6:00 pm (Nationwide Arena)
Betting Odds: Columbus Blue Jackets +150 / Pittsburgh Penguins -200 --- Over/Under: 6.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Pittsburgh Penguins in Sunday NHL Action.
The Pittsburgh Penguins come into this road contest with an overall record of 31-14-8. Through 53 games, the Penguins are 3rd in the Metropolitan Division. On the season, they have found the net 174 times, good for a rank of 7th among NHL teams. Heading into the game, Pittsburgh is the 10th ranked defensive team, allowing opponents to score at an average rate of 2.66 goals per game. So far, the Penguins have a strength of schedule rating of 31st in the league. When diving into their opponent-adjusted scoring margin, they come into this game as the 10th ranked team in the NHL.
The Columbus Blue Jackets get set to host the Pittsburgh Penguins with an overall record of 27-24-1. This mark places them 5th in the Metropolitan division. Through 52 games, the Blue Jackets have scored 173 goals, giving them an average of 3.27. This output gives them a rank of 9th among NHL teams. On defense, Columbus is the 27th ranked unit, giving up 3.63 goals per contest. So far, the Blue Jackets have played the 13th toughest schedule in the league. And, when taking into account Columbus's scoring margin relative to the quality of their competition, they come in with a power ranking of 22nd in the NHL.
Through 47 games, the Pittsburgh Penguins goal and overall scoring leader is Jake Guentzel with 52 points. He has reached his mark of 25 goals, on a shooting percentage of 15.1%. So far, 24.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Sidney Crosby, who has 33 assists to go along with his 15 goals. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of +9.0. Pittsburgh's top goalie is Tristan Jarry, who is giving up an average of 2.38 goals per game. In his 42 games played, he has turned in 24 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
Through 52 games, the Columbus Blue Jackets' goal and overall scoring leader is Boone Jenner, with 41 points. He has reached his mark of 22 goals, on a shooting percentage of 15.5%. So far, 32.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Jakub Voracek, who has 35 assists to go along with his 2 goals. However, when on the ice, the Blue Jackets are -6 in scoring differential. Columbus's top goalie is Elvis Merzlikins, who is giving up an average of 3.42 goals per game. In his 32 games, he has come up with a quality start just 45 percent of the time.
In terms of betting, the Penguins are covering the spread in less than half their games, with an ATS record of just 25-27. Even though they have an overall ATS record below .500, they have managed to cover 16 of their 26 road games. On the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have a per-game scoring differential of 0.53. Even when playing on the road, the team is winning games by an averge margin of 0.88 goals. As the Pittsburgh Penguins get set to take on the Blue Jackets, they have a below .500 record over their past five games, going 2-3. During this stretch, they have scored 14 goals, accounting for 41.0% of the scoring in these contests. I recommend taking the Blue Jackets to pick up a home win over the Penguins.
Joe’s Pick Blue Jackets +150
AUTHOR: Joe Kiemen
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